Creating elegant and easy gourmet meals is done more easily than one can imagine. With shortcuts and items already at your home, a delicious meal can be prepared as quickly as baking a frozen entree yet give you the satisfaction of a delicious meal you prepared yourself. For more recipes and your catering needs, please visit us at:
Heat 3/4 cup cream in a 1-quart heavy saucepan until hot, but not boiling. Let cool slightly. Whisk together yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a metal bowl until combined well, and pour egg mixture into warm cream in saucepan, whisking until combined. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until it registers 160°F on thermometer. Stir in vanilla.
Melt chocolate in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring frequently. Whisk custard into chocolate until smooth, then cool.
Beat remaining 1-1/4 cups cream in a bowl with an electric mixer until it just holds stiff peaks. Whisk one fourth of cream into chocolate custard to lighten, then fold in remaining cream gently but thoroughly.
Spoon mousse into 8 (6-ounce) stemmed glasses or ramekins and chill, covered, at least 6 hours.
Makes 8 servings
Special equipment: An instant-read thermometer.